Off-season Moves

WHAT THEY NEEDED: A leadoff hitter to replace Chuck Knoblauch, young arms and lots of power.

WHAT THEY GOT: A top young lefthander and a power hitter who, if they're lucky, will be ready next year. Otis Nixon will lead off and take over in center, and ex-Met Alex Ochoa will be given a chance in the outfield as well. Mike Morgan was only 9-12 for the Reds last year, but he'll give the Twins lots of innings. Infielder Brent Gates scares nobody.

WHAT IT ALL MEANS: Money, money, money, money—as in Minnesota doesn't have much of it, so these guys will have to do. Nixon still has speed, and the Twins think Ochoa is a possible 15-homer man. Another dismal year.